Commercial

Manitoba to streamline farm building code requirements

The government of Manitoba announced on Wednesday that it is removing “unnecessary regulatory requirements” on the construction of farm buildings. Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler suggested in a statement that the removal of the regulations will support the long-term, sustainable growth of the province’s agricultural sector. “Our government is listening to Manitoba’s farm families and […]

By Canadian Underwriter | January 25, 2017

3 min read

Commercial

Sea kidnappings rise in 2016 despite plummeting global piracy, report says

More crew members were kidnapped at sea in 2016 than in any of the previous 10 years, despite global piracy reaching its lowest levels since 1998, the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported on Tuesday. In its 2016 annual piracy report, IMB recorded 191 incidents of piracy and armed robbery on the […]

By Canadian Underwriter | January 10, 2017

2 min read

Commercial

Bolivian airline suspended after crash of 146 Avro RJ85 kills 71

MEDELLIN, Colombia – Bolivia’s Civil Aviation Authority on Thursday indefinitely suspended operations of the airline behind this week’s air tragedy in Colombia, as relatives of the victims spoke out in anger, many saying the crash was avoidable. The Bolivian agency said it was stopping all flights operated by LaMia airlines, amid reports its charter aircraft […]

By Canadian Underwriter | December 2, 2016

5 min read

Commercial

Saskatchewan government introduces act aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight of provincial pipelines

The Government of Saskatchewan announced on Monday that it has introduced new legislation aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight of the province’s oil and gas industry. The government introduced The Pipelines Amendment Act in the Legislature, replacing The Pipelines Act, the Ministry of the Economy said in a media release. “Our efforts to enhance and reinforce […]

By Canadian Underwriter | November 29, 2016

2 min read

Information availability key to enhancing coverage in construction

Having as much solid information as possible – as early as possible – can help open up the marketplace when it comes to available coverages for construction projects, Peter Campbell, Halifax branch manager for Jardine Lloyd Thompson Canada, suggested during an industry event in downtown Toronto last Thursday. “Any project or any risk really delving […]

2 min read

‘Work performed’ exclusion in builder’s liability policy does not apply in allegations of consequential damage: Court of Appeal for Ontario

A “work performed” exclusion in a commercial general liability policy for a building contractor does not apply if a lawsuit against a contractor alleges consequential damage, the Court of Appeal for Ontario suggested in a ruling released Tuesday. Parkhill Excavating Limited was retained, in 2004, for the “design, supply and supervision of construction and installation […]

5 min read

Disputed course of construction claim involving LEG exclusion remanded back to B.C. appeal court

A disputed $14.5-million claim on a course of construction policy, arising from an incident when concrete slabs over-deflected during the building of a hospital addition, was recently remanded by the Supreme Court of Canada to the British Columbia Court of Appeal. In a ruling released Aug. 5, 2015, the B.C. Court of Appeal found that […]

5 min read

B.C. winter tire rules come into effect on Oct. 1

British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is reminding motorists that “winter weather is just around the corner” and that the province’s winter tire rules come into effect on Oct. 1. The rules mean that drivers will be required to equip their vehicles with winter tires if they plan to travel on certain highways in […]

3 min read

Transportation Safety Board of Canada pushes for more hot air balloon safety regulations

Nine years after a hot air balloon accident near Winnipeg, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada suggested Monday it “continues to be concerned” that operators are not regulated in the same manner as operators of other commercial aircraft. “Hot air balloons are considered aircraft under the Aeronautics Act,” TSB stated in a release. “However, while […]

4 min read

AIG Canada launches risk management and mitigation service for residential construction projects with budgets of $5 million or more

AIG Insurance Company of Canada (AIG Canada) has announced the launch of Smart Build, a risk management and mitigation service for residential construction projects with budgets of $5 million or more. Calling it the first-of-its-kind program in Canada, the Canadian-based subsidiary of AIG said that the program is available to AIG Private Client Group clients […]

2 min read